Life in Theatre: Pandemic Edition

Written by; Alix Fogarty & Megan Vittone

Editor: Emma Foley

Photography/Videography: Oliva Springsteen

Emma Foley on the left and Kyle Aaron Racas on the right during rehearsal

Although the pandemic has put a damper on many things. The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is currently gearing up to perform The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.

By being livestreamed it has allowed for the show to go on. Briana Livesay and Dylan Thomas sat down with us over zoom to talk about their own experiences acting and assistant directing during the pandemic.

Briana Livesay on the right and Kyle Racas on the left

Briana Livesay is a junior majoring in theater and psychology at The University of Wisconsin-Parkside. When asked about her biggest challenge she has had to overcome as an actor during this pandemic she stated, “With the lower half of your face being covered that limits your facial expressions so you have to use your eyes and eyebrows without over doing it and being animated.”

Although to Briana it feels like a normal rehearsal process with the addition of a mask. The theatre department is making sure that everyone is staying safe by wearing masks, providing hand sanitizer, and social distancing.

When asked an upside to performing during Covid-19 she stated, “Livestreaming has given people access from different states to view the show whereas they couldn’t do that before, and I think it is pretty cool to be able to spread art.” She then explained she hopes livestreaming will continue after the pandemic.

Dylan Thomas is a senior theatre major at The University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the assistant director of The Glass Menagerie. In the past he has worked on this piece in an acting class and decided he would enjoy aiding his fellow students as an assistant director. His responsibilities include creating a pamphlet for high school students to ensure they will understand the piece, blocking scenes, and positioning the cameras that film the performance.

Emma Foley on the left and Kyle Racas on the right

When asked how is it’s different directing during the pandemic? Dylan replied, “There’s a lot of things you kind of have to keep in mind as you do it because you can’t just go up to someone and grab them and move them.” He then went into detail about the physical limitations that the pandemic has caused such as actors must be socially distanced whenever possible.

One benefit is that Dylan has been able to learn how to manipulate the cameras to film the performance, ensuring that they will be capturing everyone’s good side. The following video goes into detail about the different types of camera work he does.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/nzsQbuekb24

Aidan Johnson and Starlyn Howard work to stream the show

One of the biggest challenges that Dylan faces in the process of being assistant director and a full-time student is finding the balance. He went into detail about his classes, and how the hybrid classes (half online and half in person teaching) has made it more difficult to manage his time.

Although Parkside is not allowing in person attendance you can still request tickets to watch it via livestream in the comfort of your own home. It will be livestreamed March 12th, 13th, and 14th. You can register to receive free tickets at https://www.uwp.edu/therita/